March Temperatures

Preliminary data indicates that the statewide average temperature in March was 43.6°F; this was 0.4°F below the 1981-2010 normal of 44.0°F (Figure 1). March 2017 was the first month since May 2016 registering below normal temperatures.

March Precipitation

Delaware’s statewide precipitation for March 2017 averaged 4.43 inches, 0.23 inches above the 1981-2010 mean (Figure 2). March 2017 was the first month since September 2016 with above normal precipitation across the First State. A late season winter-weather event brought up to 4 inches of snow and sleet to northern sections of New Castle County on the 13th and 14th.

Statewide Spatial Averages

Data from the Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS) shows that temperatures varied across the State during the month, with most stations recording below normal mean monthly values (Figure 3). Total liquid precipitation was near normal across most of Delaware, with the driest conditions found across Chester County Pennsylvania (Figure 4).

Figure 3. March 2017 average temperature departures (°F) from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data.

Figure 4. March 2017 precipitation departures (inches) from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data.